Vital road safety plans at accident blackspot are set for debate... at last!

‘Vital’ road safety plans are set for debate after delays

PLANS to install a number of road safety measures at an accident blackspot are set to be debated at last.

The traffic calming plans could include the introduction of speed humps in Hadleigh Road, Leigh, as well as a raised zebra crossing and a new coach bay outside St Michael’s School.

Nearby roads which connect with Hadleigh Road could also be changed, with two speed humps being introduced in Western Road and single speed humps being placed on Salisbury Road and Burnham Road.

It is hoped the changes will not only slow speeding traffic on Hadleigh Road, but also the adjoining roads.

An initial plan to only add traffic calming to Hadleigh Road was rejected in June after Lib Dem Beth Hooper successfully argued that it would not fully mitigate the problem.

Lib Dem leader Carole Mulroney said she worked alongside Ms Hooper in campaigning for the improvements.

“The issue of Hadleigh Road and the other roads has been a continuing one,” said Mrs Mulroney.

“We had complaints regarding speeding in Hadleigh Road and were pressing for some action.

“This also raised a knock-on effect regarding Western Road which also has speeding problems.

“Proposals were put forward earlier this year just for Hadleigh Road and Beth Hooper made the case that it had to be a package of measures otherwise it was just pushing the problem elsewhere.”

The Lin Dem leader added: “The matter was deferred to the forthcoming meeting and officers have been working to come up with a scheme which covers the roads in a comprehensive manner.

“The issue of the school crossing has been around for a while and it seemed appropriate that while the road was being looked at that this was dealt with as well.

“We know that there have been some incidents with traffic at this point in the road. It is the safety of the children and parents that is most important.”

The changes will be discussed by Southend’s Traffic Regulations Working Party on Thursday and, if members agree, a public consultation will be held with the responses helping to shape how the final plans will be implemented.

St Michael’s School was contacted on the issues for comment but did noy respond before the Echo went to press.

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here